Page 47 of Glass Rose
“John’s been planning for this a long time.” I stay by the door, giving her space. “Might be the only person who isn’t surprised by what’s happening.”
“Besides Green Research.” She turns to face me. “They knew exactly what they were doing. That thing at dinner. What happened?”
Flashes of my earlier episode play in my mind—the lights, the pain, the feeling of being torn apart. I push it down, lock it away in the compartmentalized section of my brain where I keep the worst memories.
“Sensory overload.”
“Because of?—”
“Yeah.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“No.” I ruffle my hair. “I’ll go up to the office.”
“Uh, yeah. Right.” She glances at the bed. “Which side do you prefer?”
I like that she’s not even questioning my presence, but kind of asking for it. “I’m okay with either.”
“Okay.” She takes a tentative step toward me. “Have fun at the nightwatch thingy.”
I could close the distance, pin her against that wall, finish what we started between the shelves, or at least tease her a little.
There’s still time till my shift.
The monster inside me growls its approval.
And it wins.
I prowl toward her, slow and deliberate.
Sofia backs up, pulse quickening with each step I take. Her calves hit the edge of the bed, and she tumbles backward with a small gasp, propping herself up on her elbows. “Gavin?”
“I love my name on your lips.” I plant my hands on either side of her, caging her between my arms. “Say it again.”
Her eyes darken, pupils expanding. “What are we doing, Gavin?”
“You’re the scientist.” My face is inches from hers. “Figure it out.”
She laughs, soft and breathy. “I’m not sure there’s a scientific explanation for… whatever this is.”
“Chemistry.” I brush my lips against hers in a feather-light kiss. She’s intoxicating. “Fucking chemistry.”
She yanks me down and seals her mouth over mine. Her kiss is aching, full of longing, nothing like the hesitant woman from before. She tastes like survival and hope and something I thought I’d never have again.
“Gavin,” she breathes against my lips.
“I’ll be back soon.” I give her one last lingering kiss before climbing off the bed. “Try not to miss me too much.”
Hereyes are half-lidded, her breathing uneven. “Don’t be too long.”
Fuck me. I want to stay. “Don’t wait up.” I move toward the door. “You need sleep.”
“I’ve slept enough today.” She sits up fully, drawing her knees to her chest. “Besides, I’m not sure I can. Every time I close my eyes, I see…”
She doesn’t finish, and she doesn’t need to. I know exactly what she sees.
“Try anyway.” I duck out and get up to the office. Otherwise, I won’t be able to leave.
